Salmon farms cut antibiotic use by 60%

THE use of antibiotics in salmon farming in the UK has fallen 60 per cent, according to report by the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA).

The sector used 1,011.3 kg in 2018, a decrease based primarily on a reduction in the treatments required in the seawater phase of production.

This use equated to 6.5 mg/kg of production, slightly higher than the target of 5mg/kg established by RUMA’s Targets Task Force in 2017, but antibiotic treatments are still relatively infrequent in salmon farming.The figure for 2017 was 16.1 mg/kg.

The report noted that as poikilotherms (cold blooded fish), salmon can see their health compromised by variations in the quality and composition of the water, including the presence of potentially harmful organisms such as algae and plankton.

‘Although antibiotic use decreased in 2018, environmental challenges were still evident and the sector remains mindful that variable environmental conditions (for example due to global climate change) may impact health management in the future.

‘Usage figures to date and in the future will therefore reflect a balance between minimising antibiotic use and ensuring fish health and welfare.... but salmon farmers have always been innovative, and will seek to utilise the latest science and technology to help predict and mitigate against these challenges.’